1989's The Little Mermaid is rightfully considered a classic, but some feel that certain aspects of the tale haven't aged particularly well over the years, and the upcoming live-action remake will make a few tweaks.
Star Halle Bailey has previously revealed that the movie will address some of the animated version's more problematic elements (“We’ve definitely changed that perspective of just her wanting to leave the ocean for a boy"), and director Rob Marshall has now explained why one of the original songs, "Kiss the Girl," has also been altered.
"We asked [lyricist] Lin-Manuel [Miranda] to make some slight adjustments to the original lyrics for 'Kiss the Girl,'" said the filmmaker in official Disney press notes. "Because it’s important to remember that the culture and sensitivities have changed over the last 34 years, and it's vital that we are respectful to those changes."
The new version of the tune ill reportedly remove wording that encourages Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) to plant a kiss on Ariel (Halle Bailey) without first obtaining her consent. In the original, Ariel wants Eric to kiss her so that she can win her bargain with Ursula and get her voice back, so we're not really sure why this particular change was necessary!
What do you guys make of Marshall's reasoning? Drop us a comment down below.
The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
The movie is set to swim into theaters on May 26, 2023.